Kajiado, October 13th, 2026... For 100 women in Kajiado County, opening a bank account for the first time marks the beginning of new possibilities. From growing beadwork businesses and expanding dairy ventures to saving towards opening shops, the women hope to use their new accounts as a stepping stone towards financial independence and, eventually, access to credit to grow their enterprises.
The women opened their first accounts during the launch of HER Financial Freedom, an initiative by Global Give Back Circle in partnership with Equity in Isinya. Established in 2024 through Global Give Back Circle's partnership with personal finance expert Suze Orman, the HER Financial Freedom Program combines women-led savings and lending, personal empowerment workshops, financial literacy, business development, and cooperative enterprise to create sustainable pathways to economic independence.
Tete Irene, Kajiado County Director of Social Services, welcomed the initiative, saying it complemented government and non-governmental efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunities for women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Women in this county play a pivotal role in raising families and running businesses. Empowering them means a great deal for their dignity, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Teaching them how to invest and grow their businesses is a noble course,” she said.
For Equity, the accounts mark the beginning of a journey towards greater financial inclusion.
Charity Nkirote Munyori, Senior Manager, Women and Youth Banking, said participants would receive financial education before being assessed for financing to grow their enterprises.
“Through financial education, they will learn how to generate business ideas, grow their enterprises, market their products and manage their money. Once they complete the training, we will assess their cash flows and support those who need financing to expand their businesses,” she said.
Many participants earn a living through beadwork, dairy farming and other small businesses. Others are students in technical institutions, while some never attended secondary school or dropped out because of financial difficulties and early marriages.
Seeyian Karei, a Fashion and Design student at Maasai National Polytechnic who sells beads and fashion items, hopes to use her new account to build a financial record that could help her qualify for credit.
“Instead of receiving money and keeping it in my bag, I will channel it into my bank account and use the knowledge I have gained to grow my business. I hope to build a financial profile that will help me access credit,” she said.
Jane Isaya, a mother of three and member of a local women's table-banking group, has her sights set on opening a retail shop in her village. Having opened her first bank account, she hopes to save towards the venture and eventually access financing to expand it.
Dr. Mwende Munuve, Chief of Programs at Global Give Back Circle, emphasized that lasting economic empowerment requires more than access to financial services. Through the HER Financial Freedom Program, women are supported to build financial confidence, strengthen their businesses, and participate in cooperative enterprises that create sustainable income opportunities. She highlighted the importance of partnerships with financial institutions such as Equity in connecting women to the resources, markets, and financial tools needed to grow.
Beyond opening accounts, Equity will introduce participants to solutions such as Fanikisha, which offers women-focused banking and insurance propositions. Networking opportunities will also help them exchange ideas, explore markets and build business connections.
For these women, the accounts represent more than a place to keep their money. They offer a foundation for saving, building financial histories and potentially accessing credit. With financial knowledge, appropriate financing and continued support, their first steps into formal banking could open doors to stronger businesses and greater economic independence.
The women join a much wider financial inclusion effort by Equity Group Foundation (EGF). According to figures from EGF’s Enterprise Development & Financial Inclusion pillar, 2,495,441 women and youth had been reached (as at 30th June 2026) through financial literacy programmes under the Financial Inclusion for Africa (FIKA) and Young Africa Works Kenya (YAWK).
These programmes demonstrate the wider effort to equip young people and women with the knowledge and skills to participate more effectively in the economy.
For women like Seeyian and Jane, financial independence is about more than opening an account. It is about building on the skills, enterprises, and ambitions they already have, while gaining access to the tools, networks, and opportunities to grow. Through the partnership between Global Give Back Circle, Equity, and local implementing partners, women in Kajiado are strengthening their pathways to sustainable livelihoods, financial security, and greater ownership of their economic futures.
